The Sinn Féin President has said he would not consider a deal on a coalition with Fianna Fáil after the next general election.

But Gerry Adams has admitted this is a personal view, and that the party may have to consider it.

"It's an entirely premature position. My personal position is no we would not" stated Gerry Adams at the start of the Ard Fheis in Castlebar, Co. Mayo last night.

"Of course we would consider all angles that would advance our project" Mr Adams went on to state when questioned further.

Mr Adams will make his keynote address to the Ard Fheis later tonight.

The party is holding the event for the first time in Connaught.

Among issues to be discussed today will be the economy, housing, health, education and abortion.

Last night the party's Chairman Declan Kearney revealed he had been in contact with loyalists on the recent flags issue in Northern Ireland.

"Throughout the past year, leaders frim mainstream loyalism have met with us and explained their apprehensions and ambitions about the future" he said

And he went on to say that the party is "genuinely committed" to the discussions and dialogue, "without preconditions, with all forms of political unionism".

Here you can watch Mr Adams on whether Sinn Féin could go into coalition with Fiann Fáil:

 

 Meanwhile, Sinn Féin's Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty says the party will  launch a massive campaign to axe the property tax over the coming months.

There's also been strong criticism of the Irish and British Government's economic policies.

The North's deputy First Minister has told the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Mayo that he's still prepared to offer dialogue with Republicans opposed to the party's strategy.

Martin McGuinness has questioned who the people are in dissident republican groups, questioning where they were, when there was a war.

And he's repeated his calls to talk to the Orange Order.

Mr McGuinness says dissident republicans can't claim to have fought a long battle.